The Elector

Chapter 1:

The Republic has never looked more beautiful. Streetlights glow and the sound of laughter fills the sweet Los Angeles air. My apartment here is much more extravagant than the one I own in Denver. I prefer it in Denver though – I don't need anything fancy. I practically live out of my suitcase and behind a podium anyway.

The thought makes me think of the afternoon Day got behind a camera after scaling up a tall building to tell the people he stood behind me and my ideas for the Republic. Where would I be now if he hadn't done that?

That thought makes me think of her.

My heart constricts in my chest. I close my eyes and try to think of something else. Anything else. Foreign policy. The successful treaty with the Colonies. Trading the cure with the Colonies and Antarctica and how economically, the Republic has never been better. I have a speech to make tomorrow. I have to get up at six a.m. for a security check. With the head of my security team.

I let out a deep sigh. Her soft ivory skin and long black hair fills my vision. And the words that I hoped I would never have to hear, but somehow I knew I always would, filled my ears.

When I found out Day had lost some of his memory, I was grateful. Grateful that he didn't have to bear the memories of the past two years of his life. He was so miserable and heartbroken. The only time I saw his face light up was when she walked in the room. June…

I got up out of the armchair that was facing the city and walked across my bedroom and into the bathroom to splash water on my face.

It had taken some time, but June eventually healed from letting go of Day. I was thankful that she still wanted to be my friend, and eventually she became the head of security in Denver. I had honestly not expected our relationship to take a romantic turn. I, of course, still had feelings for her, even after I had known her heart belonged to Day. So I was surprised when she had kissed me back in Las Vegas while we were on a trip there for one of her birthdays. The rest, as they say, is history.

I looked into the mirror of my bathroom, watched my red and heavy eyelids blink and my dark wavy hair fall onto my forehead. I looked terrible. Did I look this terrible two hours ago? I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small satin box. I pushed it open with my thumb and forefinger, revealing an emerald ring. She never saw it. Even if I had had the chance to ask and she had said no, I would have wanted her to have it. When I saw it at the jewelers I thought of her instantly; she was beautiful and unique, a one of a kind – only she could ever have it. I would return it tomorrow. Or perhaps I would ask one of the secretaries in the building to do it. It was kind of embarrassing to return an engagement ring…

"June?"

She looks up at me with her impeccably beautiful brown-gold eyes. "Yes?"

"Are you okay?" I'd asked as I fiddled with the ring in my pocket.

She sighed and looked down at her food. She continued picking at it.

My heart lurched uncomfortably in my chest. "What is it?"

"Anden…" she started, and I knew what was coming.

"June, please," I whispered, but I knew it was no good.

"I can't keep doing this… I can't… love you, like you need me to. Like I should. You deserve more." She had dropped her fork. She looked at me then. I knew then it was over.

Of course she was right. About not being able to love me like I needed her to. It pulled at my heartstrings every day to know that if things had worked out the way they were supposed to, she and Day would be together. And the kiss in Las Vegas would have never happened. I would have never said the words "I love you" to the only person I had ever loved so completely and without reservation.

But did I deserve it? I wanted what was best for the Republic. And I tried hard, I really did. And things have improved greatly over the past ten years. The difference is astronomical. But did I deserve this? Love? I didn't think so. My life was dedicated to the Republic. I was born into this role, shouldn't I fulfill it? When could I have time for love, or someone who could truly return it?

Tomorrow would be difficult. I would have to see June again. She would still be the head of my security team. I wouldn't have anyone else take her place. Regardless of our relationship, she was the best at what she did, and she was irreplaceable.

I padded out of the bathroom and turned off the light, letting the city lights whiten my bedroom. I had just sunk gratefully into my sheets before three quick knocks rapped at my door.